F1's Fernando Alonso bumps into Johnson in NASCAR country

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson strolled into the Charlotte Convention Center and did a double-take when he saw Fernando Alonso hanging out in a hallway.

"What's he doing here?" NASCAR's seven-time champion wondered.

Alonso made the trip to North Carolina to make an appearance at NASCAR's annual preseason media tour. No, a ride in NASCAR is not imminent, but the two-time Formula One champion is about to embark on his first major sports car race .

Alonso will race this weekend in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona for United Autosports, the sports car team owned by his McLaren F1 boss, Zak Brown.